Data Protection

What we do — and don't do — to protect data stored on our systems.

Disk storage

All of our critical servers use RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks) to improve reliability. This allows the loss of at least one hard disk without any data being lost. In most cases the disk can be replaced and the array rebuilt without the system ever being shut down.

Data backups

Policies

All user data stored on our servers is backed up. Generally backups are run nightly, with the exception of bimonthly full backups, which can take up to three days to complete due to the volume of data involved.

Limitations

Currently there are no off-site backups. Backups are stored in the same building as the computing cluster, albeit in a different room. This means a disaster that affects the entire building could destroy both the original data and the backup.

User responsibilities

Because of the lack of off-site backups, you should retain your own copies of any data you cannot afford to lose. We highly recommend that you store these copies off campus, to minimize the chances of them being destroyed should a natural disaster affect the UW campus.

After the Northridge earthquake, some researchers at California State University-Northridge lost their life's work when buildings burned down or were contaminated by hazardous materials. Don't let this happen to you!

If you need assistance in determining the best way to package up your data for downloading or transfer to other media, email linghelp@u.

Data restoration

If you accidentally delete or overwrite an important file, email linghelp@u to arrange to have it retrieved from backup. Entire directory trees can be restored if necessary. Please provide enough information to identify the correct version of the file, if it has been overwritten; for example, the approximate modification date and/or size. Keep in mind that any changes since the most recent backup cannot be recovered.

-- brodbd - 05 Jan 2009